Drinking age in Newfoundland and Labrador (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: In Newfoundland and Labrador it is an offence to sell or give liquor to anyone under 19, and people under 19 may not buy liquor. Possessing open liquor in a public place is prohibited.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | 19 years [1] |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | 19 years [1] |
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | A person must not possess open alcoholic liquor in a public place, except under a licence or permit, and must not be intoxicated in a public place. [1] |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | A person must not sell or give liquor to anyone who has not reached the age of 19. People under 19 must not buy liquor or enter a liquor corporation store unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. [1] |
Notes
- Section 76(2) of the Liquor Control Act was repealed in 2024; whether a family exception now exists in the regulations was not checked.
Sources
- Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: Liquor Control Act, RSNL 1990, c L-18 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
More rules in Newfoundland and Labrador
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants, in the dwelling
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with an experienced supervisor
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes; retailers need a permit
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.35 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.